EIR Brochure Final 2 Paperturn - Flipbook - Page 7
CASE STUDY: T CELL RECEPTOR THERAPY
Immune cell therapy has the potential to transform cancer
outcomes. The field has been opened by engineered T cell
therapies for blood cancers that are now licenced for use and has
changed patient outcomes. Future advances in blood cancers will
continue to provide the therapeutic know-how which could be
applied to other cancers and diseases beyond cancer. A rate
limiting step in the development of the next generation of T cell
therapies is the identification of new antigenic targets. Oxford
researchers have identified several new targets and the T cell
receptors that recognise these antigens bound to human
leucocyte antigens, providing a platform to develop a new class
of T cell therapies. Current research is focussing on developing
new treatments for the most aggressive adult leukaemia, acute
myeloid leukaemia (AML).
The Expert-in-Residence surgery session was terrific. It allowed
me to get focussed time with leading industry experts on how to
take the pre-clinical findings I have to the next step, by
focussing on what would be necessary for a clinical trial. There
was also very insightful advice on when and how to seek industry
and commercial support, including how to establish a spin out
company.
Dr Paresh Vyas
Professor of Haematology
University of Oxford
SUPPORT OFFERED THROUGH THE EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE
PROGRAMME:
A ‘surgery session’ with several ExIRs Dr Nessa Carey, Dr Anthony
Brown (Carrick Therapeutics), Dr Simon Hollingsworth
(Astrazeneca) and Dr Rupert Osbourn (IP Pragmatics LTD)
suggested a structure for a successful clinical development plan
leading to Phase I trials.
WHERE IS THE TECHNOLOGY NOW?
Key data have been generated since the surgery session and
patents are now being filed. Further translational follow-on
funding applications will likely be made to Medical Research
Council Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (MRC, DPFS),
working with the new Oxford National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR) Blood and Transplant Unit in Cell Therapy. Longterm strategy is to commercialise the technology through the
formation of a spin-out company.
I’ve loved being involved in sessions ranging from discussions about
early-stage novel therapeutic concepts to medical imaging and
diagnostics projects and I highly recommend taking part.
Dr Susan Campbell OUI
Licensing and Ventures Manager, Oxford University Innovation